Richly rewarding character study

Rating: 9/10 (9 August 2002)

Director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) has lovingly crafted a bittersweet story about life, music and the intricate weave of one upon the other. Tornatore caresses the heart with characters steeped in emotion and sentimentality without descending into sappiness (okay, maybe just a little at the end).
The setting is turn of the 20th century. On New Year's Day, a baby is abandoned on an ocean liner and adopted by one of the crew members who names him `1900'. The boy never leaves the vessel and crosses back and forth for his whole life. As a child he learns to play piano and proves himself to be a genius at the instrument.
The story is interesting by itself, but Tornatore brings incredible feeling to the tale. 1900 has an amazing gift of being able to put not only his emotions to music, but characterizations of others he sees around the room. All his pieces are impromptu and as original as the people surrounding him.
Tim Roth is fantastic in the lead role, displaying extraordinary range. He renders a believable pianist, but more importantly, he simultaneously brings the character dynamism and depth. When he is playing the crowd he is the flamboyant showman, yet when he is alone or with Max (Pruitt Taylor Vince) he is reflective and moody.
Pruitt Taylor Vince also comes through with a strong performance as 1900's close friend and fellow musician. Vince plays the part with great empathy and the interactions between him and Roth are often moving. Clarence Williams III (yes, that's Linc from the Mod Squad TV series in the 60's) is electrifying as Jelly Roll Morton, the self proclaimed inventor of jazz. Williams steals the show for at least 15 minutes as he and Roth duel it out on the piano.
The music is exquisite. Ennio Morricone is a prolific composer whose career spans 40 years. He has scored over 400 films including "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", "The Untouchables", "Disclosure", and "Twister". His ability to find the right music for the multiple moods in this film is astounding.

For viewers who enjoy complex character studies replete with unabashed sentimentality, this film is worth hunting down at the movie store. I rated it a 9/10. It is a richly rewarding experience.